By Andrew Scott lu·thi·er | \ ˈlü-tē-ər , -thē-ər \Definition of luthier: : one who makes stringed musical instruments (such as violins or guitars) Lutherie isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s not an easy job with a steady time clock. It isn’t easy on our family, friends, wallet, health or love life. I would bet most […]
By Aaron Ginsburg When thinking back on the great musical innovators of the 20th century, no one can ignore the profound influence that David Bowie had on the genre of rock and roll, and the broader arena of popular music. It’s been nearly six years since his sudden death, and his devastating demise after an […]
By Jas Obrecht Equal parts storyteller, fire-and-brimstone preacher, rollin’-and-tumblin’ bluesman, and rock guitar hero, Billy Gibbons has been entertaining friends and fans for a half-century. Offstage, he carries himself with an almost professorial dignity, parsing his phrases carefully as he pulls on his foot-long beard. He laces his conversation with sly innuendos, double entendres, and […]
By David Barret Editors note: In 2015 Alex Lifeson was working on a number of projects and we were lucky enough to get access to the Canadian Rush legend via his friend and colleague David Barrett. Today this interview is still relevant and we feel it’s important to republish it. Guitar Connoisseur: When I think […]
By Allison Kugel The first thing I noticed when I sat down with Jewel was her beautifully sculpted cheekbones and trademark smile, but I was instantly redirected toward her glow; a warm and welcoming glow emanating from that same place where, no doubt, her poetic music and lyrics originate. I wanted to learn more. It […]
When I was putting a Van Halen tape in and listening to it for the first time, I was blown away. My first exposure to Eddie Van Halen was Eruption. The son of Dutch Immigrants was about to take the world by storm. A small handful of players in rock history have dramatically changed people’s […]
By Aman Khosla Republished from our Holy Grail Issue Steve Vai – almost every guitar player knows that name. Vai has been a major icon and most certainly a household name in the guitar world for over three decades and counting in a league of his own. Nine studio albums, Eight live albums, several special […]
By Steve Rider Who has never heard of Prince? Indeed, no one knew that his sudden and unexpected passing shocked the world on April 21, 2016. He was just 57 years old. It has been said for ages that an artist is never fully appreciated during their lifetime, and it certainly seems that this will […]
By Greg Jones In the mid-twentieth century, there was a guy who endeavored to study the brain of the late Albert Einstein in the hopes of discovering why he was such a phenomenal genius. He was ultimately unsuccessful, but many shared his curiosity. We all would like to know how great thinkers became the way […]
By Brad MahonPhotos by Derek Brad I first saw and heard Eric Gales years ago when he sat in with the Arsenio Hall band in the early ’90s. I remember thinking: “Man, can he play!” Then, I realized he was playing his guitar “upside-down” and left-handed. Years went by, and I didn’t hear that much […]
